Maya's POV

Though I held my head high but I couldn't help but feel outclassed, Tina literally looks flawless in whatever she puts on - I bet even a rag would look good on her.

I can't explain it but she has this certain aura, like the world was her stage and belonged to her alone while everyone else was meant to dance to her tune.

Staring at her from her head to the sole of her feet, I took in her appearance ; she was wearing an orange spaghetti strap mermaid dress.

The dress was backless and dipped temptingly to the small of her back while revealing toned back muscles.

With the high low plunge neckline that barely covered her breast, she achieved quite a cleavage that left men around her drooling at the sight.

A front slit added a finishing touch to the dress while a simple diamond necklace resting on the swell of her breast complemented her looks - it was obvious she was dressed to kill.

Then before my very eyes, even before Niklaus could react, Tina initiated a hug with him.

Since they were of the same height - huge thanks to her God knows how many inches heel - she wrapped her arms around his shoulder, making sure to run her hands on his back.

Though the hug seemed innocent and was for a brief moment but to me it seem to last forever and for sure, it made me see red.

I watched a hidden smirk curl up Tina's mouth the moment our eyes met just as Niklaus broke off the hug.

My fists clenched so tight that I was grateful I hadn't grabbed a champagne flute from the passing waiters else I would've literally crushed the whole thing to smithereens.

I was angry but I knew inwardly that was jealousy speaking. When did I become like this?

I rarely experienced this emotion called jealousy back at home cause I knew everything I had belonged to Kim so there was no need fighting or converting what would be taken away from me soon.

Then I was more envious than jealous, until I decided to just leave and go away, get a life for myself - which hasn't been going well.

But now why was I jealous? Why was I so adamant on converting this one? But the question is, does Niklaus truly belongs to me?

I saw Niklaus pull away from her and instantly kept quite a distance as he replied her,

" Nice to meet you too Miss Tina "

Suddenly my breast swelled with happiness, though his words were respectful and formal yet it was clearly drawing a boundary between the both of them.

Niklaus grabbed my hand and intertwined his fingers with mine and I felt a blush stain my cheek. Jeez I hate this, why was I so easy to please?

"My dearest Tina " Adam welcomed her and she placed a peck on both of his cheeks.

"Hope you have been doing well, Adam? " She asked with this warm smile on her face causing my brow to raise.

Wasn't Tina an ice queen? what's with her entire demeanor this evening? I couldn't help but feel disturbed all of a sudden , where was these feeling coming from?

Adam replied " Am fine dearest "

Then I saw Tina bit down on her bottom lip like someone who was too nervous to say what was on her mind - not to talk of her expression - what is she planning?

"I'm sorry for the rumours that was spread a few days, though it wasn't my wish nor my doing but I'm sure it affected the company stocks and your son's reputation and for that I'm deeply sorry " She apologized bowing her head

I heard Nik snort derisively by my side and my brows couldn't help but knitted together, I felt like something was being kept from me and the feeling was getting stronger by each passing seconds.

Adam chuckled heartily " You don't need to apologize dearest, besides the rumours weren't far from the truth... "

I couldn't wait to hear whatever else he said cause my throat constricted and my stomach did a bad flip while my body trembled but Niklaus squeezed my hand assuredly.

That gesture helped but still did not clear the unease in my heart. Yes, I wasn't as smart as Izzy but I was definitely not stupid either. Moreover I had my sixth sense with me and I have somehow figured out the reason for the tension between father and son.

Adam must have figured out Nik's intentions towards me - no wonder he made that remark earlier, I just thought it was strange and totally unlike him - and from the look of things, it was obvious he wasn't in support of Nik's plans nor me.

Then my eyes flickered towards Tina, I couldn't make out what they were saying because of the thoughts running wild in my head , but it wasn't too hard to figure out the rest of the puzzle afterwards; Tina was the chosen one.

Adam did not approve of me, it was not that easy to hide. A mirthless smile tugged at the corners of my mouth , I couldn't blame the man anyway .

Who in the world would want their million dollars worth son to marry an illegitimate daughter? A girl with no power, money? Marry a girl removed from the family's registry ? That was just a Cinderella dream!

But strange enough, even though it was nothing but a Cinderella dream, I still had faith, hoped for my own fairy godmother.

I felt Niklaus's arm tighten on my waist and I looked up. Despite the fact that no words were spoken but from the look in his eyes, It was obvious he knew I had figured out everything.

But the moment he opened his mouth, about to say something, we were interrupted.

"Niklaus " Someone called out and he looked up with an irritated frown on his face.

But his expression softened the moment he saw the person in question and quickly plastered the usual fake smile on his face .

"Governor Ahmed " he said and thrust out his hand and they shook hands.

My head spiralled when I saw governor Ahmed, not on television but in person - live and direct- one of the youngest and handsomest governor in history! Niklaus was not kidding when he said a lot of political leaders would attend this event.

"I'll be going to the washroom " I said quickly to Niklaus and hurried away before governor Ahmed would take notice of me and begin to ask questions.

Ahh!, I screamed and palmed my face when I entered the washroom and began to fan myself with my hands.

Why was I behaving like a fangirl? Maybe I was indeed a fangirl, I had crushed on Governor Ahmed the numerous times I watched him on television - Niklaus doesn't have to know that by the way.

Yeah it's just a crush, nothing else. But still seeing him in person ; why was I blushing so hard?

Suddenly the door to the washroom opened and I whipped around to see the one and only Tina strutting into the room like she owned the place .